The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has cautioned Nigerians, particularly Christians, against invoking the name of Jesus Christ in partisan political debates.
The warning followed recent comments by Precious Oruche, popularly known as Mama Pee, in which she referenced Jesus Christ while making a political point concerning Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and the 2027 elections.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the association understands that political discussions can become passionate and that such remarks may be intended to emphasise a point. However, he urged Nigerians to exercise restraint when referring to Christ during political debates.
“Jesus Christ is not a political candidate, a campaign slogan or a weapon to advance one politician against another,” CAN said.
According to the association, the name of Jesus Christ is sacred and should not be brought into partisan contests in ways that elevate politicians to a position reserved for God.
CAN stressed that Nigerians remain free to support or criticise political figures, including Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar and President Bola Tinubu, but warned against allowing political loyalty to overshadow reverence for Christ.
“We are free to support Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Bola Tinubu or any other candidate. We are equally free to criticise them. But our political loyalty must never become so intense that we begin to speak of politicians in terms that diminish the reverence due to Christ,” the association said.
CAN urged Nigerians to focus political debates on issues such as competence, character, policies, performance and the future of the country.
“Let us argue about competence, character, policies, performance and the future of Nigeria. Let us disagree passionately if necessary, but let us leave Jesus Christ out of our partisan quarrels,” it said.
The association further warned that no politician should be portrayed as the Messiah and that no electoral victory should come at the expense of the honour due to Christ.
As Nigeria approaches another crucial electoral season, Archbishop Okoh urged politicians, their supporters and citizens to conduct political conversations responsibly and respectfully.
“As we approach another crucial electoral season, I urge politicians, their supporters and all Nigerians to conduct our political conversations with responsibility, restraint and respect for what we hold sacred,” he said.
Comments